NEWCASTLE 0-3 EVERTON - MATCH ZONE

Everton kept up their challenge on Arsenal's right to claim fourth place and Champions League qualification for themselves with an impressive win at St James' Park.

The victory, clinched with another wonder goal from Ross Barkley, Romelu Lukaku's 12th of the campaign and a late killer blow from Leon Osman, has cemented Everton firmly in the race for the fourth Champions League place.

It also ended any outside chance of Newcastle United making their own return to the Europa Cup next season.

It was the first time in six years Everton have won four on the trot and it was the third and final game of Alan Pardew's stadium ban.

But his suspension ended with a humiliation and by the final whistle, with nearly half of the home fans' seats empty, it was visiting supporters who were celebrating, Osman's name echoing round St James'.

VIDEO Scroll down to watch post-match reactions from John Carver and Roberto Martinez

Unstoppable: Everton's Ross Barkley opens the scoring with a powerful drive after a winding run into the box

Martinez added: 'We have got a really good run-in. There is Arsenal to come at home and it is important we maintain the momentum.

'I feel that if we can get anywhere near 71 or 72 points and it gets us into the Champions League it will be an outstanding achievement. If it doesn't it will still be a phenomenal season if we don't get into the Champions League.'

While Osman was the outstanding player in an excellent Everton performance, the pick of the goals was Barkley's in the 22nd minute.

He picked up the ball just inside the Everton half immediately after a Newcastle corner and although he had the option of finding Lukaku, the 20-year-old had just one thing on his mind.Paul Dummett and Cheick Tiote were in pursuit of the midfielder, and as he powered into the Newcastle area, Vurnon Anita could get nowhere near a challenge, while Fabricio Coloccini fell to ground.

Barkley then ignored Lukaku and belted the shot way beyond Tim Krul's reach.

Perhaps it was fitting the England midfielder, compared so much to Paul Gascoigne, picked St James' to score one of the best goals of his short career.

There may have been boos when he departed with a slow jog in the 81st minute, but there was a smattering of applause from home fans when he scored his sixth of the season.

Game over: Everton midfielder Leon Osman (left) scores his side's final goal from inside the area

Pure joy: Osman (left) celebrates his goal with the visiting supporters late in the game

His manager Roberto Martinez said: 'That's Ross Barkley. I have learned to accept what Ross will do. You expect the unexpected with Ross. Not many could score a goal like that.

'He has such variety of strengths, he can do anything but I would not like to make direct comparisons. Sometimes he is Paul Gascoigne, sometimes Michael Ballack, sometimes he is unique. He is as gifted as you are going to see.

'As a young man it would be easy to drop your responsibilities after a goal like that but he was focussed, worked extremely hard. That reaction pleased me more than the goal. He was perfect.'

Newcastle's assistant manager John Carver, in charge for the last time as Alan Pardew served his final stadium ban, said the difference between the two sides was Everton's clinical finishing.

A former youth team mate of Gascoigne's, Carver said: 'His goal was a bit of genius but comparisons with Gazza is a lot of pressure. But he is a class act and has a bright future.'

As Newcastle had gone behind in 12 Barclays Premier League games this season prior to this clash, and only come back once to win, perhaps it was no surprise they had no answer to Everton's dominance after the break.

Eight minutes into the second half they delivered a knock-out second, again catching Newcastle on the break after a promising move from Yoan Gouffran had broken down.

Under the floodlights: An aerial view of St James' Park during the first half

In control: Everton boss Roberto Martinez waits on the touchline before kick-off

On the run: Coleman (left) uses his pace to get away from Gouffran down Everton's right-side

The loose ball came out to Osman who found Gerard Deulofeu on the right wing and his teasing low cross in front of goal was hammered into the roof of the net by Lukaku.

Newcastle did have their chances. Papiss Cisse proved wasteful once again more than once and Vurnon Anita prodded a Hatem Ben Arfa cross wide late on but Everton were too good in all areas.

Their third came two minutes from the end, and deservedly from Osman.

Steven Naismith virtually walked past Coloccini near halfway, found Deulofeu to his right, who in turn spotted Lukaku at the edge of the area. The Belgian striker patiently waited for the run of Osman who thumped the ball into the top corner.